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Enrollment Underway For Louisiana Contractors Program

Beginning in September, a six-week course will begin for small and emerging construction firms

BATON ROUGE, La. — Enrollment is underway for the award-winning Louisiana Contractors Accreditation Institute, with new classes starting in September for emerging construction owners and managers. The program prepares participants for the business and law portion of contractor licensing exams, while building a strong foundation for operating in the construction industry.

Louisiana Economic Development, the Louisiana State Licensing Board for Contractors, and the Louisiana Community and Technical College System, or LCTCS, developed the program to meet the needs of a growing construction industry. Since 2016, the LCAI program has produced 607 graduates who are establishing construction firms in Louisiana.

The six-week course will be offered Sept. 10 through Oct. 17 on Mondays and Wednesdays in sessions from 6 to 8 p.m. The course will be offered live via interactive distance-learning to multiple locations throughout Louisiana. To register, visit OpportunityLouisiana.com/LCAI. Once there, follow “The Process” instructions on the right side of the page to register through Fletcher Technical Community College. Classroom locations will be available statewide.

Applications will be accepted through Aug. 27.

“LED and our resource partners are excited by the continued success of the Louisiana Contractors Accreditation Institute,” LED Secretary Don Pierson said. “Today in Louisiana, more than 150,000 people earn a living in the construction industry, with construction employment up by over 12,000 jobs in the past three years alone. LCAI helps us fill a great need by providing more effective professional education for the construction business owners and managers who will lead this industry for years to come. This program embodies LED’s mission of supporting small businesses that are critical to a thriving Louisiana economy.”

Enrollment is offered online on a first-come, first-served basis. A $200 fee covers the cost of the course and materials. For detailed information, contact Cory Morgan of LED at 225.342.4317 or Cory.morgan3@la.gov; or contact Catherine Barber of Fletcher Technical Community College at 985.448.5916 or Catherine.barber@fletcher.edu.

In 2017, LCAI earned national recognition with an Innovation in Regulation Award from the National Association of State Contractors Licensing Agencies. Awarded only once every three years, the honor recognizes innovation, creativity and excellence in the regulation of the contracting and construction industries.

“The strategic partnerships developed by these Louisiana agencies exemplify this innovative thinking,” said NASCLA Executive Director Angie Whitaker. “The Louisiana Contractors Accreditation Institute is something that is very beneficial to the people of Louisiana, and has been instrumental in bringing more people into the contractor field and providing them with the tools and resources needed to pass the necessary exams.”

LCAI participants also learn how to collaborate with state agencies, such as securing details on working with the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development, and information from the Governor’s Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness about how to enhance safety and preparation measures.

The seminar will be taught by industry leaders. Session topics will include:

Bid process.

Contract management.

Estimating.

Equipment management.

Scheduling.

Occupational safety.

Risk management.

Financial and business management.

Bonding and access to capital.

Certifications and available resources.

Entrepreneurship training.

Soon, the Louisiana Contractors Accreditation Institute will expand with a new General Contractors Seminar. That seminar will provide participants with critical information about construction management and business operations, with detailed information about the General Contractors course to be provided in the near future.